Out of Sight, Out of Service: The Hidden Risks of Neglected Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher on a wall gives many of us a sense of safety. A solution. A fix in case a fire starts.
But that reassurance can be misleading. What if there is a fire… And your extinguisher fails?
Fire extinguishers need looking after. Just like every other piece of safety equipment. And that means inspection and maintenance.
Neglected fire extinguishers create a false sense of security, leaving you unprotected in an emergency. In this blog, we look at the problems with neglected fire extinguishers – and how to keep yours in top condition.
The Illusion of Safety
All fire extinguishers look pretty much the same, right? Bright red, complete and ready for use. But even the most high-tech extinguishers may be useless in an emergency.
Common near-invisible fire extinguisher issues include missing safety pins, a slow loss of pressure and internal blockages. Whilst you wouldn’t know to look at your extinguisher, all of these problems render the equipment unusable.
This gap between perception and reality can be the difference between life and death.
What Does The Law Say?
Keeping your fire extinguishers in good working order is more than just good practice. It’s a legal requirement.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the top piece of UK legislation for fire safety. It states that the designated ‘responsible person’ must ensure all fire safety equipment is maintained correctly. The recognised standard for this? The British Standard BS 5306-3. This sets out how and when fire extinguishers should be inspected and maintained.
More Than Just a Check: The Two Types of Maintenance
Two key types of maintenance need to be scheduled to keep your fire extinguisher safe to use:
- Monthly user checks are simple visual inspections. The ‘responsible person’ must check that the extinguisher is positioned in the right place and has no obvious damage, as well as inspect the pressure gauge to ensure it’s in the green.
- Annual professional services are required, too. Once a year, a certified fire safety professional must perform a comprehensive inspection. They will test the pressure, check for internal corrosion, replace parts as needed and ensure the extinguisher is legally compliant.
7 Warning Signs Your Extinguisher is "Out of Service"
Even the best safety equipment can fail if it’s not properly maintained. Here are seven common indicators that your extinguisher needs some attention.
1. The needle of the pressure gauge is not in the green zone.
Checking the pressure gauge is a really quick way of ascertaining if it will work. Needle pointing outside of the green zone? The pressure is either too low or too high.
2. The safety pin or tamper seal is broken or missing.
A missing or broken seal indicates the extinguisher has been partially used, or the pin may be missing, and this means the fire extinguisher is not ready for use.
3. There are dents, rust or corrosion on the main body of the extinguisher.
Any sign of damage should be checked promptly. Physical damage to an extinguisher can cause leaks or ruptures.
4. The nozzle or hose is blocked.
Dust, paint, and even spiderwebs can cause blockages, preventing the extinguisher from discharging effectively. Monthly checks prevent blockages from causing a problem in an emergency.
5. The hose is cracked or damaged.
Hoses can become brittle over time and split. Especially when exposed to sunlight and extreme temperatures. Always check for hose issues to ensure it maintains pressure when in use.
6. The service label shows that an annual check is overdue.
Your fire extinguisher should have a service label that displays the date of its last annual inspection. If it has been over a year, scheduling a check is a priority to keep your people safe and remain legally compliant.
7. The extinguisher is the incorrect type for the fire risk in the area.
The wrong extinguisher can do more harm than good. Each fire extinguisher should be clearly identified.
And don’t forget. If your extinguisher isn’t accessible, it’s useless. Even if it’s working just fine.
What Are The Risks of a Failed Extinguisher?
When a fire extinguisher fails, you face serious consequences. Let’s explore.
Total Failure
A fire extinguisher that fails to discharge puts both the building and the people inside at huge risk.
Reduced Effectiveness
A fire extinguisher that only partially discharges or has low pressure is ineffective. This means that it will likely fail to suppress a fire, leaving anyone using it unprotected.
Incorrect Usage
Without proper training, someone might use the wrong extinguisher. This could make a fire worse.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Non-compliance can lead to fines, prosecution, or even the invalidation of your insurance policy.
Don’t Play With Fire: Make Fire Extinguisher Maintenance A Priority
A fire extinguisher is only as good as its last service.
Keeping on top of fire extinguisher maintenance is about more than remaining compliant (although that’s important, too). Well-maintained extinguishers and effective training protect your people, your property, your business, and your peace of mind.
Wondering how Envesca can help with fire safety training? You can find out more on our website or get in touch today.
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